false 3 21 18 true 5689980 read 2 true 3407031 currently-reading 1 true 3407030 to-read 0 false 5403898 panama-fever http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/62625574 to: Panama Fever: Digging Down Gold Mountain (Hardcover) by W.B. Garvey
I loved this book. Of course it is history - which is my favorite. This title explores the push-pull factors that led over 50,000 men leave their respective countries and journey to Panama to dig and work on the Culebra Cut - later the Panama Canal.
This story involves the European, American, Indigenous and African peoples that collapsed and expanded the country of Panama.
Quick note - this work refreshes your Spanish and French, as well as, view on how class and exposure benefit children in the long-run. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/53482190 to: The Middle Sister: A Novel (Paperback) by Bonnie Glover
I plodded through it. A good story line about sisters and a mentally ill mother, however, the father was not fully explained. He had a proclivity for women and lots of them - that was not enough reason for his "change" that occurred in the story. I enjoyed how each sister " evolved" but there were some rough edges that could have been expanded. I LOVE detail and explanation this book had flirtatous moments with each but nothing that would make it pass second base. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/53482712 to: Women in the Civil Rights Movement: Trailblazers and Torchbearers, 1941-1965 (Black Women in United States History, Vol 16) by Vicki L. Crawford
Another great work on Black women in the civil rights movement. These lesser known women like Septima Clark Gloria Richarson and Modjeska Simpkins were local activists whose efforts prepared their communities for NAACP, SCLC, SNCC and other organizations to find capable, willing and sacrificial people. A must read ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/53482481 to: Living Our Stories, Telling Our Truths: Autobiography and the Making of the African-American Intellectual Tradition (Paperback) by V. P. Franklin
Great collection of essays that chart the intellectual development of African American scholars. All to often these people were considered white people in dark skin. Franklin illuminates the depth of their race consciousness and desire to promote Black citizenship rights in all areas of life. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/53482454 to: Sisters in the Struggle : African-American Women in the Civil Rights-Black Power Movement (Paperback) by V. P. Franklin
I suppose anyone familiar with my selections knows I LOVE history and women. This is a great collection of essays about African American women involved in the Civil Rights movement. I am using it for a class, however, in re-reading these essays - the struggle for African American equality has been steeped in the personal sacrifice of so many people who often are relegated to the periphery of history. This work locates some of those persons and gives them voice and substance - a must read for any person interested in human justice ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/53481946 to: Going Down South: A Novel (Paperback) by Bonnie Glover
A heart warming and heart wrenching story about being a girl, mother and granddaughter. The secrets in one family continue to impact suceeding generations of women until the last shoe is dropped and everyone is forced to confront themselves and their actions. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/53481589 to: The Book of Night Women (Hardcover) by Marlon James
This was a stirring and haunting portrait of enslavement in 18th century Jamaica. I appreciated reading in the venacular of the people and understanding the dynamics of race, gender, ethnicity and class. One suggestion prepare for graphic scenes of violence. Which I believe are time-appropriate and jarring. But it makes you appreciate your time and their sacrifice. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/40675394 to: Sweetsmoke (Hardcover) by David Fuller
Well, I have finished this one. I LOVED IT. The character development was excellent and the humanity and inhumanity of the peculiar institution took on a new form of conniving & jealous masters enslaved persons, horribly wicked slave catchers, and wise, literate and insightful enslaved people. Clearly, this period in American history is being revisited by literary and historical scholars -- helping us to really define who and what is an American life, story and persona. ]]>